The Jewish Theological Seminary
Academics
Jewish Art and Visual Culture
Program Director
Vivian B. Mann
Adjunct Associate Professor
Maya Katz
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Susan Chevlowe
The only one of its kind in the United States, the program in Jewish Art and Visual Culture provides specialized training for students interested in a professional career in the field of Jewish Art. The program also provides serious study opportunities for those interested in deepening their knowledge of the Jewish contribution to the visual arts.
Degrees
Bachelor of Arts
Master of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
Admission Requirements for List College
Degree Requirements
For Jewish Art and Visual Culture Majors
- 6 credits (2 courses) of Art History at Columbia (or other institution), chosen in consultation with the major adviser
- 6 credits (2 courses) of Jewish Literature and/or Jewish History, 3 of which may be double-counted for a LC core requirement
- 3 credits (1 course) ART 5405, Jewish Ceremonial Art in Context
- 3 credits (1 course) ART 5535, A History of Synagogue Architecture
- 9 credits (3 courses) of Jewish art, chosen in consultation with the major adviser
- 3 credits (1 course) senior/capstone seminar
Master of Arts
Admission Requirements for The Graduate School
Degree Requirements
Courses
In addition to courses required of all students in The Graduate School, 36 graduate credits are required as follows:
- 9 credits (three courses) in the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University or at the Bard Center for the Decorative Arts
- 12 credits (four courses) in Judaic studies from the following areas: Bible, Rabbinics, Jewish history, and Jewish literature
- 15 credits (five courses) in Jewish Art and Visual Culture, including Jewish Ceremonial Art in Context (offered alternate years during the fall semester) and two semesters of internship at The Jewish Museum, another museum, or in The Library of The Jewish Theological Seminary
All courses are chosen in consultation with the advisor.
Languages
Students must demonstrate proficiency in Hebrew and a reading knowledge of art history texts in German. For details on foreign-language requirements, consult The Graduate School section of the Academic Bulletin.
Fellowships
Matriculated students may apply for one of the following merit fellowships:
- David Berg Foundation Fellowship
- Dr. Mayer Fisch Fellowship
- Manekin Family Fellowship in the History of Jewish Art
- Tuttleman Fellowship of the Program in Jewish Art (established by Edna and Stanley Tuttleman for the purpose of training worthy students as Jewish art historians and curators)